MARTIN PARR: THE LAST RESORT

When Martin Parr's The Last Resort was first published and exhibited in1986 it divided both critics and audiences alike. Some saw it as the‘finest achievement to date' of colour photography in Britain whilstothers viewed it as ‘an aberration'. With the benefit of hindsightthere is little doubt that it transformed documentary photography inBritain and placed Parr amongst the world's leading photographers. The bookis now recognised as a ‘classic' and is highly sought by collectorsworldwide. Whilst this new edition keeps the same imahges and sequence asthe original, a new text has been commissioned from Gerry Badger. Steeringa perilous course between objectivity and voyeurism, Parr viewed thedecaying holiday resort of New Brighton and its holidaymakers in a way thatwas new, unique and deeply disturbing. And he did so in colour, somethingwhich at the time was seen as revolutionary for documentary work. For somehis camera seemed cold and cruel as it followed the working classesdesperately pursuing their holiday dreams surrounded by dereliction anddecay and wading through the apparently endless detritus of apollution-ridden consumer society. Others felt it showed an affectionate,humorous and humanistic response from Parr. However it was viewed, it wasundoubtedly a sharp, bitter satire of the Britain of the Thatcher years.Martin Parr is a member of the prestigious MAGNUM photo agency.Internationally recognised as a brilliant satirist of contemporary life hehas led the development of British documentary photography with wit, style,and intelligence in a career that boasts numerous publications andexhibitions. His work is in major galleries and museums worldwide. In a newessay Gerry Badger re-examines the work and its impact on BritishPhotography. Recognised as a leading writer on photography, as well as aphotographer and a curator, Gerry Badger was co-author, with Martin Parr,of the two volume The Photobook: A History.